Every woman knows how uncomfortable premenstrual syndrome or PMS can be, with even the mildest symptoms able to cause a disruption to your everyday habits and routines. Most people accept the bloating, food cravings, irritability and other symptoms as inevitable but there may be something more you can do to stop it from wreaking havoc with your life during that time of the month.

If you’ve never heard of the vitex agnus castus fruit, it could be time to start learning more about what has been called the ‘women’s herb’. With some research studies pointing to a link between the plant and relief of PMS and other issues, this small and unassuming fruit could be the key to getting through those situations with a smile.

The history behind the fruit

Funnily enough, the vitex agnus castus fruit grows from the branches of what is known as the ‘chaste’ tree. According to legend, the tree was so named because of beliefs that it was used by monks during the Middles Ages to decrease sexual desire.

Whether or not you believe that’s true, there’s no denying the fact that the fruit has been used for thousands of years. The first records of its use as a medicinal herb come from the writings of Hippocrates in the 4th century B.C., and it was used for years to ease women’s menstrual problems and physical concerns. It was also believed to have an effect on issues with infertility and was often prescribed to stimulate the production of breast milk.

What is vitex agnus castus, and how does it work?

Today, the fruit also known as the ‘chasteberry’ grows in the Mediterranean and Central Asian regions of the world and is characterised by the small sprigs of purple flowers that bloom amongst its shrub-like branches and leaves.

It is still used widely in Europe as a traditional or folk remedy for menstrual or fertility problems, with some even using it as a treatment for acne. The dried form of the fruit is used to create a liquid or solid extract that can be consumed in a tablet or capsule.

The secret to its effectiveness comes from the variety of active compounds that are found within its natural form. Each is thought to affect different parts of the female reproductive system and aid in supporting a more balanced and normalised function. It’s thought that the chasteberry can work directly on the pituitary gland, promoting the secretion of luteinising hormone (LH) that can in turn encourage the secretion of progesterone.

Progesterone is important in maintaining pregnancy, preparing the body for conception and regulating the regular menstrual cycle in women. Increasing the levels of progesterone in the female body may also help restore the balance between oestrogen and progesterone.

Modern benefits and uses

Vitex agnus castus has been used to help with infertility, issues with breast pain or tenderness and other symptoms of PMS. It may help in alleviating the symptoms of menopause in older women or balancing an irregular menstrual cycle.

The fruit may also aid in increasing breast milk in new mothers, controlling bleeding after childbirth and normalising reproductive hormones after a woman has stopped taking birth control.

A study published in 2001 in the British Medical Journal found that the dry extract form of vitex agnus castus was an effective and generally well tolerated method for relieving PMS symptoms. The study involved 170 women, some of whom took vitex agnus castus tablets and some who took a placebo. While the scientific evidence is still being explored in greater depth, several previous studies of the fruit and its ability to alleviate PMS symptoms have found a link.

The benefits aren’t just limited to women either, as some believe the chasteberry could help to treat acne, joint conditions, swelling, headaches and migraines, body inflammation and even an upset stomach.

If you’re interested in the benefits of the chasteberry for your own health concerns, there are a variety of ways you can add it into your diet – whether through pill, tablet or as a dried herb.

Thompson’s One-A-Day Vitex 1000 may assist in maintaining healthy hormone levels and may aid in the relief of premenstrual and menstrual symptoms including cramping, breast tenderness, fluid retention, bloating and headaches. Buy it now from our secure online shop.

We’d Love Your Feedback

Have you used a natural product such as Vitex to help with the symptoms of PMS?

I’d like to know if this is safe for postmenopausal women to use and whether it interacts with any other meds or supplements. I am also taking Maca powder and lots of other vitamins. Can I take this at the same time? Can it be taken with ovestin, DHEA, pregnenolone or biodentical progesterone?

How long can you use it for if you are postmenopausal? I think my last period was nearly 3 years ago. Maca has got rid of most symptoms except for the vaginal dryness. Ummm related question. Can I take ovestin, DHEA, pregnenolone or biodentical progesterone with Maca? I stopped them for now but am thinking of starting again to fix the dryness…

I know of no evidence that Vitex would be harmful in post-menopause. Vitex is a hormone balancer, so it works to bring whatever imbalance is presenting back to a more healthy state. You could certainly give it a go. It can interact with hormonal preparations but has been used advantageously in some of these cases by herbalists. You could try taking the Vitex with the Maca and vitamins you are taking. There are no specific contraindications with these things. As with all herbs and supplements, please stop taking it if you notice anything untoward happening and if you are on the hormonal preparations you have mentioned, please run this by your prescribing GP as this needs to be facilitated by a practitioner.

I would suggest trying the Vitex for a month or two to see if it benefits you at all, and assessing whether you want to stay on it after that. It is always good to take a break from herbs periodically.

I would exercise some caution taking Maca with the hormones you have mentioned. As before, you could try them and stop if you notice any adverse effects. Also consult with your prescribing doctor about this.

I hope this is helpful.

Kristie Laurantus, BNat.

Lawrie

Thanks, I will add vitex to my shopping basket

All Blacks supporter

Hi there. Has any research been conducted to verify its effectiveness in decreasing male libido?

Hi there – we passed your question to our naturopath, Kristie. Here is her response … “I do not know of any research conducted specifically regarding Vitex Agnus Castus and the lowering of the male libido. It has garnered more interest with its hormone-regulating properties for women. I’m sorry, but I have no information regarding your question. I would suggest trying the herb to see how you go with it, and perhaps placing some feedback on our website on the product when you have taken it for a while.”

We’re sorry we can’t be of more help with this – we’d be very interested to hear from you if you decide to trial it for male libido. Kind regards, HealthPost

Hi Rachel, thanks for your question. We have contacted the suppliers regarding Thompson’s Vitex and they have confirmed Thompson’s Vitex is safe to take while trying to conceive as it is a hormonal modulator. They suggested that you may need to see a health practitioner regarding the dosage/directions if you should become pregnant. We hope this is helpful.

Tamara Bennett

I’m 53 and have suffered peri-menopausal symptoms for about 8 years and have spent a fortune on remedies and therapies. All I can say is my local health shop ran out of Vitex 2 weeks ago and my night sweats have come back with a vengeance! I’m now going to order online and hope it arrives quickly as I am so sleep deprived I feel ill.

Hi Tamara – we’re sorry to hear you have been suffering so much! It’s great to hear that you are going to order online from us – hopefully that will help you to always have some at hand when you need it!

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